New York Times Special Edition

Mobsters and Charity: A Novel Approach

By Justin Doyle

Hello, again readers. This special edition story comes to you today with an exciting new topic: can criminals be charitable?

The question came to me with the grand opening of a new orphanage here in Brooklyn. The beautiful campus includes two homes and a backyard that is half playground and half garden. It isn't owned by the City, the Catholic church or any other charitable organization. No, the Brooklyn Home for Lost Children is owned by no other than Ms. Madeline Evans, co-owner of Southern Charm and a suspected high-ranking mobster in the New York underground. It is the first privately owned orphanage in New York City.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Ms. Evans in the orphanage, where she gave me a tour through the grounds. The two homes are identical in their floor plan – four stories, eight bedrooms, two children to a room. Both cottages also have nurseries for infants, classrooms, kitchens and dining areas. When I arrived, I found that they were decorated for the holidays, with Christmas trees, stockings and lights out front. There were no children in the building yet, but there was staff aplenty, preparing beds, decorating the rooms, stocking the cabinets. Ms. Evans and I sat in one of the dining rooms over steaming cups of hot coffee.

So, Ms. Evans. I’m curious about how you decided to open the doors of this home. An orphanage seems a far cry from your typical business model – why the change?

The woman exuded a quiet confidence, and of course, she was expecting the question that was asked.

“A year or so ago I visited an orphanage in Arizona. Well, a few. What I saw there inspired me; these children didn’t ask to be born, and they certainly didn’t ask to be abandoned, harmed or orphaned. They deserve a real chance at life, and often the facilities where they end up are underfunded and crammed to the brims. At first, I was funding one of the orphanages I had seen, sending a check every month to ensure the children’s needs were being met. But I’ve always wanted to do more; to be more involved and hands on. So, the idea of the Brooklyn Home was cooked up, and now here we are.”

“That’s very charitable of you Ms. Evans, not many privately wealthy individuals would choose to spend their money raising other people’s children. I know your Southern Charm endeavors have been successful, but I wasn’t away it was this successful. Are you entirely self-funding?”

“No, not at all. I’ve received a number of private donations from friends, and I’ve been in regular contact with several city agencies. I don’t expect to have any funding issues here now or in the foreseeable future.”

“As a reporter, my job is to ask the tough questions Ms. Evans, so I hope you’ll forgive me, but there have been rumors about your ties to the Mafia here in New York. It surprises me that a mobster would be so selfless, to be honest. So, what’s the real deal? Will these children be used in your criminal work? Are you grooming a future generation?”

A genuine laugh came from the woman across from me, which startled me. I expected resentment or anger, but not laughter.

“Your sources should also have informed you that I was independently wealthy before arriving in New York Mr. Doyle. Rumors are just that – rumors. I run a legitimate business, and I want to give back to this community that has given so much to me. The children aren’t being groomed for anything other than the chance of living successful lives. Those 14 and above will be allowed to work if they are doing well in school and their household chores. I plan to utilize the Southern Charm businesses as ways to get them exposure in whatever they have interest in – business management, cooking, customer service, construction – I have a wide range of contacts. They will get hands-on experience in their field of choice so that they can gain the skills necessary to have a meaningful life in this crazy world that we live in.”

“I applaud you, Ms. Evans; it sounds like you have given this venture a great deal of thought. Shifting gears here a bit, I noticed on the entrance was a dedication plaque. You’ve dedicated the Brooklyn Home to the late singer, Mr. Alexander Knight. Why is that? Were you aware of the criminal charges he was facing before his death?”

“Mr. Knight was a very close friend of mine for many years. I believe that his story can be a shining example to the children here that just because you’re an orphan, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve everything you want in life and more. Alex overcame the odds to have a successful and productive life, living his dreams to the fullest. He was a remarkable man, and I believe his name should be honored. Whatever issues he may have been facing at the end of his life shouldn’t tarnish what he managed to accomplish.”

“Those are some very kind words. So, tell me, what’s next for you and the Brooklyn Home? When do the children arrive?”

“Tomorrow. We’re putting the finishing touches on things now, as you can see the staff is quite busy. We expect the first few weeks will be rough; I’ve established a relationship with Columbia University, and they will be sending a developmental psychologist here three days a week to help evaluate the children and ensure we are providing the best possible environment for them based on the individualized needs. Staff have received training from social workers and child development specialists, so they are prepared on what to expect. This won’t just be any old home, Mr. Doyle. I expect that you will see the children who come out of here go on to do remarkable things in life.”

And with that, our interview was over. I checked in a few days later, and the children had all arrived; the place was bustling with activity and holiday spirit. I promised Ms. Evans that I would also remind the public that all these children would benefit most from adoption into a loving home with a family who will raise them as their own. Should you be interested in adding one of these children into your family, I encourage you to visit the Brooklyn Home for Lost Children and spend some time getting to know them.

As for my original question, that is going to require some additional resource. I would love nothing more than to get letters from you, my readers, on the concept – can criminals be charitable? Is this indeed an altruistic act by Ms. Evans or is there some ulterior motive?